Mickey Joe Callarman Sr.

Mickey Joe Callarman, Sr., 78, of Chanute, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, as the result of a truck accident he was in just days earlier.

He was born April 2, 1947, at the family home, in Buffalo, Kansas, the son of Lewis G. and Florie Rosie Bell Smith Callarman. Mickey attended Thayer High School and graduated with the Class of 1965.

He joined the Kansas National Guard after High School and proudly served his country. He had worked Cobalt Boats in Neodesha and Tolle Landscaping in Independence before taking a position at Chanute Manufacturing. He began working the floor and realized an opportunity for advancement as they needed more qualified Drafters. Mickey began classes at Neosho County Community College eventually earning his degree, at which time he was promoted to Drafter.

Mickey was a “Jack of All Trades” and later drove the ‘Bingo Bus” transporting people from Chanute to Grand Lake and Seneca. His last position was as the property manager for a mobile home park.

Mickey was married to Shirley Pickering in November of 1972. They were later divorced.

Mickey loved the outdoors and always found time for fishing and camping. His other hobbies included playing the guitar. He was a member of the American Legion Post #170 of Chanute.

He will live on in the hearts and treasured memories of his son Mickey Joe Callarman, Jr. and his fiancé, Tammy Lathan of Altoona; sisters, Janice Welch of Chanute, Barbara Blair and husband Ray of Chanute and Linda Catterson and husband Guy of Chanute; a brother, Gerald Callarman and his wife Debbie of Thayer; three granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and a community of friends. His is also survived by his beloved dog “Mandy”. Mickey was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Callarman; brothers-in-law, Tim Borton and Nathan Welch; a niece, Crystal Smith and a nephew, Wade Wasson.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Mickey’s life to held later.